Syntax Error

Prepositions

Preposition

A preposition stands before a noun or pronoun and shows its relation to one or more words in the sentence.

Some of the words most frequently used as prepositions are:

Essentials to Remember

1. Use different from to introduce a phrase; not different than. Than is not a preposition; it is a conjunction.

Your new coat is not very different from mine.

2. Do not use off of or off when you mean from.

He got the assignment from (not off of) me.

3. Do not use off of in place of off.

Take your books off my desk.

4. Never blame it on someone, but blame someone.

I'm not sure who ate the rest of the pie, but I would blame Jaime.

5. Into, and not in, implies going within. You go into a house and put things into a pocket.

"He jumped in the car" means that while he was in the car he jumped.

"He jumped into the car" means that he moved from the outside into the car.

6. Use because of, not due to, to introduce a phrase.

Because of the accident, the road was blocked.

7. Between refers to two persons, things, or groups. Among refers to more than two.

Divide the candy among the students in the class.

Divide the candy between yourself and Shirley.

8. Do not say outside of when you mean within.

He will be home within an hour.

9. Do not say outside of when you mean except.

I liked everything she served except the spinach.

10. Except is a preposition. Therefore, it is followed by the objective case.

Incorrect: Everyone except he is going.

Correct: Everyone except him is going.

11. Do not use unnecessary prepositions.

Incorrect: Where are you going to? Where are you at?

Correct: Where are you going? Where are you?

12. Do not use of as an auxiliary verb.

You should have (not of) seen the ball game.